Do you like how a ‘week’ isn’t necessarily a week? I just get so busy balancing all of these ‘balls’ I call my responsibilities that a week doesn’t always mean seven days. Plus, this is a relatively new structure for me; so please – bear with me. I do hope that the variety of articles and sources is providing you with something you haven’t seen already. Again, I’d really like to know your thoughts.
* Bloomberg News & Ireland
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_48/b4205082055642.htm?chan=magazine+channel_top+stories
I don’t fully understand how my motherland got itself into such a financial state; but I do know it’s not good. Unfortunately Ireland isn’t the first country of the EU to need a bailing out; and I fear it isn’t going to be the last. I realize that the Celtic Tiger was a great decade of prosperity for Ireland; but why wasn’t someone saving a few pounds here and there? Not that the USA really has any point of bragging, but come on, eh?
* College Student Debt
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/11/24/2470050/student-debt-shows-dramatic-growth.html
I have been complaining about my college debt since I first got college debt. I’m a little surprised that it took this long to acknowledge it; well maybe someone has acknowledged it before — but this is the first I am reading about it. I really believe that this college debt is going to continue to skyrocket until in twenty years (mark my word) it comes a bigger federal crisis. The more that students are told that they will not be successful without a college education coupled with the increasing tuition costs; added with the limited job prospects that allow students to pay off their loans – it’s a perfect storm brewing.
*Metro Parent Magazine, Loving the Arts
www.metro-parent.com/issues/summer10/index.html
Okay yes, this isn’t the easiest site to navigate and yes, it is from the summer ( I told you I read a lot). BUT, I will take a celebration of the arts wherever I can get it. Woohoo the arts!
* Parade Magazine, The Teenage Brain
www.parade.com/news/2010/11/28-inside-the-teenage-brain.html
Ahhh, the mind of a teenager…This may be one of the reasons why I don’t have any children – that snarky vapid look on a teenager’s face when you ask them something. This article does present some scientific material; and I think that will give parents of said teens a sigh of relief, but it won’t make their teens be any less ‘teenish.’
* The Oregonian, Gram Scam
http://blog.oregonlive.com/complaintdesk/2010/09/gram-scam_cons_seniors_for_a_9.html
I have a grandma and I love my grandma. So I really don’t want someone to scam my grandma. Seriously, is there no limit to some people’s depravity? Leave the elderly, the children, and the animals alone please. And for those of you who have a grandma – or grandpa – take the time to chat with them about this article.
* The Week, A Shocking Way to Learn Math
http://theweek.com/article/index/209478/health-amp-science
Ouch, mild electric shocks to encourage learning math. I think I might stick with my standard level of learning for the time being. I don’t know what is scarier – the fact that this is considered ‘a scientific breakthrough’ or the fact that people are putting electric shock currents through their bodies to do advanced math.
*La Habra Teachers Go On Strike
www.ocregister.com/news/teachers-279326-district-school.html
http://www.ocregister.com/news/teachers-279326-district-school.html
I used to work in this district, and at the school where this picture was taken. I support the teachers in doing what they have to do; I know these people and I know that they want to be with their students and not outside. I think I am more surprised by the way the community is reacting than anything else. These are the educators of your children, siblings, and family; they deserve your understanding and support.
